Meaning
To affect how others perceive you.
Cultural Background
The 'volta' (evening stroll) was historically a way to see and be seen, essentially a ritual of making an impression on the community. In Greece, making a good impression often involves personal connection rather than just technical skill. Being 'sympathitikos' (likable) is key. Greek Instagram culture is very vibrant. The phrase 'για την εντύπωση' (for the impression) is often used to describe staged photos. A host makes a good impression by offering an abundance of food. Leaving a guest hungry would make a 'bad impression' on the family's honor.
Use Adjectives
Always try to pair 'εντύπωση' with an adjective like 'καλή', 'κακή', or 'τρομερή' to sound more natural.
The 'Surprise' Trap
Remember: 'Μου κάνει εντύπωση' = I am surprised. 'Κάνω εντύπωση' = I impress others. This is the #1 mistake!
Meaning
To affect how others perceive you.
Use Adjectives
Always try to pair 'εντύπωση' with an adjective like 'καλή', 'κακή', or 'τρομερή' to sound more natural.
The 'Surprise' Trap
Remember: 'Μου κάνει εντύπωση' = I am surprised. 'Κάνω εντύπωση' = I impress others. This is the #1 mistake!
Formal Alternative
In a formal essay, use 'προκαλώ εντύπωση' instead of 'κάνω' to sound more academic.
Don't be 'Dīthen'
Greeks value authenticity. If you try too hard to 'κάνεις εντύπωση', you might be labeled 'δήθεν' (pretentious).
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'κάνω'.
Χθες στη συνέντευξη, ο Γιώργος _______ πολύ καλή εντύπωση.
The sentence refers to 'yesterday' (χθες), so we need the Aorist past tense.
Which sentence means 'I am surprised'?
Choose the correct meaning:
The 'μου κάνει εντύπωση' structure is used for surprise/being impressed.
Match the adjective to the situation.
If you arrive late to a wedding, you make a...
Arriving late is generally considered a negative social action.
Complete the dialogue.
Α: Πώς με βρίσκεις με αυτό το κουστούμι; Β: Πολύ κομψό! Θα _______ στους πελάτες.
The context is about looking elegant to impress clients.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Kano vs. Mou Kano
Practice Bank
4 exercisesΧθες στη συνέντευξη, ο Γιώργος _______ πολύ καλή εντύπωση.
The sentence refers to 'yesterday' (χθες), so we need the Aorist past tense.
Choose the correct meaning:
The 'μου κάνει εντύπωση' structure is used for surprise/being impressed.
If you arrive late to a wedding, you make a...
Arriving late is generally considered a negative social action.
Α: Πώς με βρίσκεις με αυτό το κουστούμι; Β: Πολύ κομψό! Θα _______ στους πελάτες.
The context is about looking elegant to impress clients.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot usually. For a strong smell, you'd say 'μου έκανε εντύπωση η μυρωδιά' (the smell surprised me), but the smell itself doesn't 'make an impression' in the social sense.
Both are used, but 'κάνω εντύπωση' (without the article) is more common as a general concept. Use 'μια' when followed by a specific adjective: 'έκανε μια περίεργη εντύπωση'.
The direct opposite is 'κάνω κακή εντύπωση' or 'κάνω αρνητική εντύπωση'.
No, we don't say 'η εντύπωση έγινε'. We use 'δημιουργήθηκε η εντύπωση' (the impression was created).
Yes! 'Εντυπωσιακός' means 'impressive'. If something 'κάνει εντύπωση', it is 'εντυπωσιακό'.
You say 'Εντυπωσιάστηκα' (verb) or 'Μου έκανε εντύπωση'.
Yes! 'Η ταινία μου έκανε μεγάλη εντύπωση' means the movie really struck you or stayed with you.
Yes, it's very common. 'Θέλουμε να κάνουμε καλή εντύπωση στους νέους συνεργάτες.'
It's a very formal way to say 'a very bad/painful impression'. You'll see it in news reports.
No, without an adjective, it's neutral. You need 'καλή' or 'θετική' to make it positive.
Related Phrases
τραβάω την προσοχή
similarTo draw attention
αφήνω εποχή
builds onTo leave an era (be legendary)
περνάω απαρατήρητος
contrastTo go unnoticed
κλέβω την παράσταση
similarTo steal the show
δίνω δικαιώματα
specialized formTo give rights (to gossip)
